Early Childhood Education

The Symbols of Baptism

By Anne E. Neuberger

Baptism is a wondrous gift from God. While children baptized as infants have no memory of the celebration, you can help them understand the significance of this sacrament on their lives. Preschoolers cannot comprehend sacraments, but they are open to symbolism and the sensory aspects of a sacramental celebration-- a wonderful beginning for young Catholics!

Here are explanations for children. Consider setting up a table containing the symbols. (Where the word ‘baby’ is used, substitute ‘child’ or ‘adult’ if necessary.)

 Why do we have baptism? We have baptism because God loves us and wants us to be His children. At baptism, a baby becomes part of Jesus’ family. 

The symbols:

Water:

At a baptism, water is poured over the top of the baby’s head, or the baby is placed into the water. You then hear the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

God created water. We need it to grow and cook our food, to drink, and to clean. At baptism, we think about water cleaning us, so we are fresh and good, because we are children of God. 

 White Garment:

Sometimes babies wear white clothes for their baptisms or are given a pretty piece of white cloth to put on. This helps people know the baby is a good person and will try to live like Jesus.

 Holy Chrism:

A bit of nice smelling oil is put on the baby’s forehead. This means the baby is strong, and special, like a king.

 Candle:

Jesus is so wonderful he is like a light in the dark! Each baby gets a candle to remember that he or she can also be a light like Jesus.

 All these signs show the baby is loved by Jesus, and can be strong and good like him. And, the baby is now a member of Jesus’ family, just like you!